Distressing news has emerged from the wrestling world this week, with a WWE Hall of Famer reportedly “rotting to death” in a hospital bed after images of his condition surfaced online.
Now 85 years old, the hardcore icon in question was rushed to hospital in October after suffering a stroke, but his condition has reportedly deteriorated significantly in the months since.
During an astonishing 54-year career, he built a reputation for taking part in some of the most brutal matches the sport has ever seen. His lengthy list of accomplishments includes reigns as NWA United States Heavyweight Champion, NWA World Tag Team Champion and WCWA Brass Knuckles Champion, cementing his place among wrestling’s most enduring and respected figures.
The Instagram post has already garnered nearly 75,000 likes, with many wrestling fans quick to share one particular image on the carousel.
WWE Hall of Famer ‘Rotting’ in Hospital Bed as Distressing Images Emerge
Abdullah the Butcher, real name Lawrence Robert Shreve, is now bedridden and has spent months in nursing homes and hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia in the US, suffering from horrific life-threatening infections. He told a local TV news crew, as per the Daily Star(see the distressing image below):
“I want the world to pray for me.”
Credit: Daily Star
His assistant, Malikah Marshall, said: “He’s not doing too well. He has a sacral wound and it started real small. And now it’s real large to where you could probably put one or two of your fists in his wound.”
The grappling specialist appeared on camera on Atlanta First News looking frail in a hospital bed as he told of his ordeal. Bedsores are caused by pressure that reduces or cuts off blood flow to the skin and can increase the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections.
Abdbullah the Butcher’s Condition is Rapidly Deteriorating
Abdullah the Butcher
Speaking about his condition, Malikah continued: “I’ve been helping him for the past 15 years and I’ve never seen him like this. He’s lost so much weight.
“I don’t know what to do because I need help. I need somebody to help me because I want to save his life. With a wound that deep, sepsis set in, and he could die.”
A fundraising page has been set up to help cover his medical expenses. It reads: “Late last year, Abdullah suffered two strokes. He is still dealing with health issues related to the strokes and diabetes. The hospital in Atlanta is working hard to discharge him. Miss Malikah is working around the clock to maintain his care. His bills are piling up, and he needs our support more than ever.”
Professional wrestler Devon “Hannibal” Nicholson – who alleged Abdullah gave him blood disease Hepatitis C during a match – posted to his YouTube channel: “Abdullah the Butcher spending his final days literally rotting to death before he is sent off to hell.”
Nicholson won a $2 million lawsuit against him in 2014 after his WWE contract offer was rescinded when he was diagnosed with the blood disease, of which he is now cured.
Rangers have set their sights on Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur and are preparing a swap deal for the Croatian, according to Alan Nixon.
Pandur has emerged as a target as the Gers look to add a senior shot-stopper to new manager Derek McInnes’ squad. They are said to have also explored a move for Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, but are now focused on Hull’s number one.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a fine season with the Tigers, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. He has been at MKM Stadium since January 2024 and has just one year left on his contract.
Rangers Ready Swap Deal For Pandur
Nixon claims on Patreon that Rangers don’t want to pay Hull’s £10million asking price for Pandur. Instead, they are willing to send Jack Butland in the opposite direction.
The 33-year-old was Danny Rohl’s number one throughout last season, appearing 55 times across competitions. A player plus cash deal could appeal to the newly-promoted Premier League side.
Pandur is currently on international duty with Croatia at the World Cup but could be on the move during the tournament. McInnes will expect to be backed in the summer transfer window, and the Croat could be the first of many new faces to arrive at Ibrox.
Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell as a potential Maxence Lacroix replacement, according to Alan Nixon.
Lacroix looks likely to be headed for the exit door at Selhurst Park as Chelsea look to sign the French centre-back. Fabrizio Romano reports that the west London outfit have started talks to bring the 26-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
Palace sold Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January for £20m, and losing Lacroix will be a massive blow. He’s been a rock in central defence ever since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in August 2024 for £18m.
Newly-appointed Eagles boss Pierre Sage will have been keen on working with the player who earned a call-up to France’s squad for the World Cup. Steve Parish’s transfer chiefs appear to be putting plans in place to try to deal with his exit and could turn to Cresswell.
New Crystal Palace boss is a big fan of Cresswell
Nixon reports on his Patreon that Palace are “looking into a deal for Cresswell” and Sage is a “big fan.” He’ll have come up against the former Leeds United man during his time coaching Lens and Lyon in Ligue 1.
Cresswell joined Toulouse from Leeds back in July 2024 for £3.8m, and he’s been a mainstay in the French team ever since. Last season, he made 32 appearances across competitions, even posting four goals and three assists.
Palace could sign the former England U21 international “if the price is right,” and he’s viewed as an ideal replacement for Lacroix. His powerful profile and “warrior” playing style could be a good fit.
Palace may not reinvest Lacroix money at all
There is a possibility that the South London outfit sticks with their current options. Chadi Riad has been excellent since returning from injury and has been a standout performer for Morocco at the World Cup.
Jaydee Canvot stepped up following Guehi’s departure and earned a regular starting berth in Oliver Glasner’s side. He partnered Lacroix and the always consistent Chris Richards in defence.
Cresswell could be a solid addition to Sage’s squad, but shouldn’t be viewed as a priority. A previous report from The Athletic claims that Toulouse values the player at around £26m after rebuffing an offer from Wolfsburg in January.
Palace could be aided by their relationship with the Ligue 1 club, from whom they signed Canvot last summer. They paid £23m for the young French centre-back and might be able to draw on prior business between the two clubs.
Tottenham have received a big boost in their reported bid to land a statement Premier League deal this summer. Spurs have been one of the busiest teams in the summer transfer window so far, snapping up four new signings already, including Martin Dubravka, who is their latest signing.
Roberto De Zerbi wants a whole new look to his Tottenham squad, and few can blame him, given how poorly Spurs have performed in the last two Premier League campaigns. There is a real ‘enough is enough’ feel to this particular Tottenham recruitment drive, and money will continue to be spent over the coming weeks and months.
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has emerged as one of Tottenham’s top targets in this window. In fact, Spurs have already seen a £75million offer for the Italian rejected, with Newcastle holding out for something between £80million and £90million.
There were reports doing the rounds that Tonali would prefer a move elsewhere as he looks to play Champions League football, but according to a fresh report from Sky Sports News. that is not the case.
According to the report, Tonali is, in fact, ready to join Tottenham, as long as they can reach a deal with a current club. It’s reported the midfielder is keen to play for De Zerbi, and he is said to have been offered £275,000-per-week to make the move to Hotspur Way.
Why do Tottenham want Tonali?
via Reuters
Tottenham are willing to spend big money to land Tonali, and that’s because they know they would be getting a proven Premier League player who is capable of playing in just about any midfield. De Zerbi wants this Spurs side to be dominant and attacking, and that’s what Tonali brings.
The Italian is an aggressive player whose game revolves around winning the ball back as quick as possible and driving up the pitch. Described as ‘fast’ and a ‘complete midfielder’ who is able to play as a six, eight and a 10 by The Athletic, Tonali – pardon the pun – is a tone-setting midfielder who demands those around him to play with an attacking mindset.
He is not the player for a more patient and structured team, but that is not how De Zerbi wants this Spurs team to play. He wants front-footed football, and Tonali can help make that happen.
